Staff

Nigel Francis is the CEO & Executive Director and Officer at LIFT. He is also co-founding director of the United States Manufacturing Innovation Council (USMIC).

Prior to joining LIFT, Francis served as Vice President and Officer, Advanced Engineering & Technology Development at American Axle (NYSE:AXL). Francis was also Senior Automotive Adviser to the State of Michigan and Senior Vice President, Automotive Industry Office, Michigan Economic Development Corporation where he was charged with developing, implementing and executing a comprehensive strategic plan and road map to promote, retain and grow the automotive manufacturing industry in Michigan.

Francis has over 40 years of experience in the global automotive, aerospace and defense sectors, having held executive level positions at OEM and Tier 1 companies in North America and Europe, including Executive Vice President, Bright Automotive, and Vice President, Vehicle Engineering at Mercedes-Benz Technology. He has spent most of his career in advanced engineering and manufacturing. Earlier in his career, he was intimately involved with the design and development of weapons systems, armor systems, and hyper velocity impact mitigation of space debris on space structures.

Francis holds a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Brunel University in London, England. Professional affiliations include fellow, Institute of Mechanical Engineers of Great Britain; chartered engineer, Great Britain; Member SAE and Member SME. He sits on the advisory boards of several technology companies and universities, and is a director and officer of the United States Manufacturing Innovation Council.

Victor Claudio serves as Chief Financial Officer at the LIFT.

In this role, Claudio is responsible for all financial and administrative functions of the organization. Claudio brings to LIFT a diverse background in both the public and private sectors, with a keen focus on organizational finance and business operations. Claudio’s professional experience includes product development, fundraising, start-ups, and value stream alignment for small, medium and enterprise companies.

Recently, Claudio created a retention and scalability strategy and led the design of a suite of servicing products for one of the leading financial technology enterprise companies in the United States managing a portfolio of over $250B in recurring annual volume. Claudio is credited for the creation of new products that led to additional revenue streams of over $780M within 6 months of launch.

Prior to his role in enterprise product strategy, Claudio co-founded a financial technology and service company focused on creating a new vertical in the financial industry. The result was a digital personal financial wellness product providing services and solutions for the financial services industry. Claudio also successfully owned and operated a process manufacturing and consulting business where he provided a wide range of services to streamline and improve manufacturing technologies and processes for the electronics industry.

Claudio began his career with Code Alarm Inc., holding various technical positions, where he led effective teams of technicians and engineers through the manufacturing, production test and product development cycles for the leader in automotive security for OEM and retail industries.

Claudio studied internationally and possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. Claudio also holds an MBA in Accounting and Master’s degree in Financial Management and a post graduate certificate in financial planning.

Noel Mack is the Chief Operating Officer at LIFT.

In this role, Mack implements new technology focus areas to ensure alignment with Department of Defense priorities, directs large scope, complex projects and programs, leads LIFT member involvement in technology projects and serves as a mentor to LIFT technical and engineering staff.

Mack brings over 35 years of experience in engineering and design to LIFT. Previously, Mack served as a Product Line Executive, Strategic Technologies at American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. and as Director and Business Unit Lead, Driveline and Transmission Systems at Ricardo’s Detroit Technical Center. Mack also held leadership positions at Magna International, Inc. and Magna Steyr.
He began his career in the aerospace and defense industries, working at Denel Aviation as the Principal Engineer, Stress and Design, and as Manager of CAD and Specialist CAE Engineer for Combat Vehicles, Tanks, Heavy and Light Armored Vehicles at Denel Land Systems/Ermetek.

Mack holds six U.S. patents and is a graduate of both the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautical Specialization and the University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned a Master of Engineering Management degree and a Graduate Certificate in Business Turnaround Management.

Robert Shaner, Ph. D., serves as the Chief Workforce Development Officer at LIFT.

In this role, Dr. Shaner leads all of LIFT’s talent development programs across the nation, including the IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing STEM program and the institute’s Operation Next skilled trades program.

Dr. Shaner joined LIFT after nearly 20 years in the educational field. Immediately prior to joining LIFT, Dr. Shaner served as the Superintendent of Rochester (Michigan) Community Schools where he oversaw budget development, management, and allocation of $300M in total annual revenue, servicing 23 sites, 15K students, 1.8K employees with a focus on long-term sustainability. His work, particularly in continuous improvement initiatives, resulted in 10 schools being identified as Reward Schools by Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and recognized with National Blue Ribbons.

Dr. Shaner also worked as the Executive Director of Infrastructure & Technology for the Warren (Michigan) Consolidated Schools and as the principal of a High School and Middle School.

Before working in education, Dr. Shaner served as a patrol officer with the Troy and St. Clair Shores Police Departments.

Dr. Shaner also served in the United States Marine Corps in the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit as a First Lieutenant deployed to Somalia and in the Gulf War. He also served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps Reserve at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Joe Steele is the Executive Vice President, Public Affairs & Ecosystem at LIFT.

Steele is responsible for building relationships with federal, state and local stakeholders, along with media on behalf of the institute. Steele also supports the organization’s technology, sales, and marketing teams.

Through his work at LIFT, Steele communicates the LIFT story to federal stakeholders in Congress, the Department of Defense, as well as state and local policymakers. His work has led to funding being directed to LIFT and its national ecosystem to conduct materials and manufacturing research on behalf of the Department of Defense, particularly in the area of hypersonics.

Steele is a veteran communications and public affairs leader with a track record of developing and executing successful plans and strategies, delivering legislative victories, employee engagement and building key stakeholder relationships for Fortune 500 companies, statewide political campaigns, nonprofits and startups.

Over his career, Steele has led the public affairs strategy for a large telecommunications company, managed internal communications for a large financial institution as it transitioned through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and built a Political Action Committee (PAC).

Steele began his career as a reporter for several newspapers across Michigan, before moving to politics to lead the communications for a U.S. Senate campaign and then as a staff member in the Michigan House of Representatives followed by serving as an appointee of the Michigan Secretary of State.

Steele has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University.

Dr. John Keogh is the Vice President, Technology at LIFT.

Although past responsibilities included leading the full engineering team at LIFT, Dr. Keogh now focuses on guiding the future of LIFT’s technology program, strategic planning, and business development, while serving as PI on a range of large internal projects. He is currently spearheading LIFT's Materials Informed Digital Acceleration Suite (MIDAS) for Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), further expanding AMPP, and actively developing CerMaC and HEET.

Dr. Keogh has a robust background spanning 20 years in R&D, synthetic and analytical chemistry, materials science, and various engineering disciplines, which has evolved through several pivotal roles at LIFT, from Development Engineer to his current position as Vice President of Technology.

Dr. Keogh earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from the University of Arizona, focusing on analytical, physical, and astrochemistry. He also holds an M.A. in Chemistry, and B.S. degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Cellular Biology & Molecular Biophysics. His contributions to the field are well-documented through numerous publications, speaking invitations, committee appointments, and recognitions.

Nick Johnson is the Vice President, Engineering & Operations at LIFT.

In this role, Johnson is responsible for leading the engineering team consisting of: manufacturing, robotics, and welding engineers and technicians, metallurgists, and modeling & simulation engineers, as well as all activities in the High Bay, including materials, manufacturing, metrology, and LIFT’s Advanced Metallics Production & Processing (AMPP) facility, a multimillion-dollar melt, cast, atomization, and wire drawing initiative to achieve vertical integration of the materials supply chain, supporting the rapid development and validation of new materials.

Since joining LIFT in 2022, Johnson has worked with a wide variety of alloy systems and advanced and traditional manufacturing processes supporting technical projects in both hands-on and leadership roles. Johnson also routinely and significantly contributes to LIFT’s technical growth and development, road mapping, and overall strategy, and supports marketing and business development efforts.

Johnson is an experienced leader, metallurgist, process engineer, and project manager with over 14 years of experience in industries ranging from SBQ steel bar production to various Tier 1 and 2 automotive component suppliers. He earned his B.S. and M.S. from Michigan Technological University in Materials Science and Engineering where he studied the processing and mechanical properties of cast Al-Sc-Zr-Yb alloys.

Grant Horne is a distinguished business development executive and engineering leader with over three decades of experience advancing the automotive, advanced manufacturing, and mobility sectors. As Vice President of Business Development at LIFT in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Horne directs all Government and Department of Defense commercial relationships, spearheads strategic consulting initiatives, and manages large, multidisciplinary teams driving innovation in lightweight materials and next-generation manufacturing technologies.

Prior to joining LIFT, Mr. Horne was Senior Director of Business Development at AVL Powertrain Engineering Inc., overseeing growth initiatives across Passenger Car OEM, Tier 1, and Tier 2 clients. He led large, high-performing teams in delivering powertrain (conventional and electrified), new energy, mobility, ADAS/AV, and vehicle integration solutions. Mr. Horne has consistently secured significant new business, and earned the trust of global customers through strategic relationship-building and negotiation.

Mr. Horne’s career encompasses global account development, complex project delivery, and hands-on engineering leadership, with experience engaging stakeholders Globally. His background includes managing large engineering teams, end-to-end program management, full engine design and validation, critical containment planning, and delivering high-profile technical projects at companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and AVL.

With dual citizenship in the United States and United Kingdom, Mr. Horne brings an international perspective to addressing contemporary business challenges. His academic credentials include a Master of Engineering in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering with Management from Edinburgh Napier University.
Mr. Horne’s core competencies include strategic business development and leadership, advanced automotive and mobility technology solutions, major account management and commercial negotiation, engineering team management and multidisciplinary project delivery, as well as new product development and critical containment.

He is known for his integrity, results-driven leadership, and innovative approach to solving complex technical and commercial problems. He has consistently been entrusted with critical business functions, recognized for driving transformation, and leading teams to exceed organizational objectives.

Gregg Marschner is the Senior Director, Program Management Office at LIFT.

In this role, Marschner works with his team to manage the LIFT project portfolio, ensuring compliance with government regulations and reporting.

With over 17 years of experience, Marschner has built a reputation for innovative problem-solving and strategic leadership. His career spans a diverse range of industries, from healthcare to defense, where he has successfully led large-scale programs, implemented strategic improvements, and managed multimillion-dollar portfolios. His background also includes 6 years in military logistics, having served in various leadership roles within the U.S. Marine Corps as a commissioned officer.

Marschner is an accomplished professional with an extensive background in supply chain management, program management, and operations. Holding a Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University, along with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University, Gregg has further honed his expertise through a series of certifications including APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional, PMI Project Management Professional, and multiple Lean Six Sigma certifications from Purdue University.

Christine Longroy is the Vice President, Business Development at LIFT.

With a passion for creating meaningful impact and a dedication to excellence, Longroy is a driving force behind Industrial Base development at LIFT.

Prior to her role at LIFT, Longroy held various positions with SME, Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Her reputation for fostering collaboration, building lasting relationships, and driving sustainable growth is a testament to her dedication to manufacturing.
Longroy leverages her extensive experience and expertise to lead transformative initiatives that connect manufacturers within technology and innovation. With a career spanning over two decades, Longroy has cultivated a deep understanding of manufacturing and its interplay between technology, business, and collaboration. Her visionary leadership has consistently driven success in building and nurturing partnerships that foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and create value for all stakeholders.

Longroy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University and is a member of the SME.

Nancy Cummins is the Vice President, Corporate Controller at LIFT.

Nancy is a Certified Public Accountant. Nancy’s focus is ensuring LIFT complies with non-profit accounting and grant regulations. She is responsible for internal and external financial reporting and oversees the annual independent audit.

Nancy received her CPA license in 2013 and has more than 15 years of professional experience in accounting and finance. Prior to joining LIFT, Nancy worked as an audit manager at the second largest accounting firm in Michigan for 8 years with specialties in non-profit and benefit plan audits.

Nancy received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, and a Master’s of Science in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University. She serves on two non-profit boards in the Detroit area.

Sherri Diehl is the Vice President, Program Controller at LIFT.

Diehl is a Certified Project Management Professional and Government Financial Manager. Her focus at LIFT is contract management, program financial controls, and compliance. She is responsible for ensuring adherence to contractual and regulatory requirements and optimizing program performance.

Diehl has over 30 years of professional experience in finance. Prior to joining LIFT, she provided support and oversight in program and contract management as well as the development of methodologies, processes and tools that have aided organizations in their development, consolidation and reorganization of financial management activities.

Diehl began her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and served as a Financial Management Solution Area Leader. She led teams of consultants on financial management projects focused on process improvement, process re-engineering, financial audits and account reconciliation.

Diehl received her Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Ohio State University.

Jose Arroyo-Rivera is senior finance executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience across nonprofit, manufacturing, construction, and multinational environments. He currently serves as Senior Director of Finance & Accounting at LIFT.

In his role, Jose provides strategic financial leadership for LIFT, overseeing a significant corporate budget, long-range financial forecasting, cash flow strategy, treasury management, and internal controls. He develops executive-level dashboards and analytics to guide decision-making, has reconstructed and modernized historical financial data for long-term planning, and led the implementation of enterprise procurement systems and organization-wide financial process improvements.

Previously, Jose served as Interim Finance Director at Suiza Dairy, where he led all finance and accounting operations, advised executive leadership, strengthened internal controls, and managed audit and compliance functions while developing a team of accounting professionals. He has also held regional finance leadership roles at Electrolux, directing operations across North Latin America, and led multi-entity accounting operations at International Aireko Construction Management, overseeing consolidated revenues exceeding $150 million.

Jose holds an MBA in Accounting and a BBA in Accounting from Turabo University. He is recognized for building high-performing teams, strengthening financial infrastructure, and delivering strategic insight that supports sustainable growth and operational excellence.